National Basketball Association

NBA Atlantic Division Outlook: Are The Celtics Ready To Overtake Toronto?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:11 p.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defending during the 2nd quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2016-17 NBA season draws closer, we explore and breakdown the Atlantic Division

The gap between title competitors and the basement dwellers is strikingly apparent in the NBA. Even the most lukewarm fan can glance through rosters and sort out this year’s top teams. The contrast between good and bad is no more apparent than in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.

The top of the conference is pretty clear. Barring injury, the Toronto Raptors, powered by one of the NBA’s best backcourts and the well-oiled Boston Celtics will earn spots in the postseason. The New York Knicks are wildcards, most likely destined for mediocrity. While ping-pong balls with the Brooklyn and Philadelphia logos are already being made.

Yet, each of these teams have such interesting storylines, questions to answer and things to look out for in the 2016-2017 season. New players, new philosophies and new outlooks.

Which is why, despite seemingly obvious fates, the Atlantic Division is one of the NBA’s most interesting,

May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks to guard DeMar DeRozan (10) against the Miami Heat in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

2015-16 Record: 56-26 1st in Atlantic Division, 2nd Seed East 

The most mundane team in the conference might be the Toronto Raptors. Or maybe predictable is the right word. With three straight conference title trophies in the case, the Raptors are setting a foundation similar to, say the 90s Atlanta Braves or the 2K New Orleans Saints- constantly competing and regularly winning the division.

The only difference is those two teams at least scratched out one title. Despite the talent, the chances of a Raptors championship are slim.

Yes, they are buoyed by extreme backcourt talent. One of the NBA’s great stories, good guy Kyle Lowry evolved from a late first round pick into maybe the Eastern Conference’s best point guard. When on, DeMar DeRozan is an elite scorer that gets to the rim with ease. And the team’s starting frontcourt is made of brutes to compliment the pure grace and skill of its backcourt.

But is it enough to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, or more specifically LeBron James? Last year, the Raptors finally made it out of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, a first for the franchise. But the fell to Lebron and company in the Eastern Conference Championship.

Potentially, Cleveland gets lackadaisical. That’s the thought at least, leaving the window open for the Raptors to take the East. They were two games away last year, and a trip to the NBA Championship would be a massive leap forward for a franchise that appears to be competitors for the foreseeable future.

Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

2015-16 Record: 48-34, 2nd in Atlantic Division, 5th Seed East

The mastery of Brad Stevens was never more apparent than last year. Up against teams with superior talent, he utilized a roster that appeared almost pedestrian in the preseason to reach the playoffs. And Boston was a win away from being the third seed.

Stevens’ ability to utilize the electric Isaiah Thomas was a major reason for the success. By allowing Thomas to run the offense as opposed to being just a piece of the bench, Stevens turned him into a better scorer and distributor. Both helped Boston become, and I swear this is not a typo, the fifth highest scoring team in the league.

Add to the mix four-time All-Star Al Hortford, who seems like the perfect fit. A versatile offensive player who is more of a system guy than isolation scorer, Hortford should improve an already stellar offense. And Jaylen Brown, who was known for being a streaking scorer in college, seems like the perfect fit as the third pick in the draft.

So, expect fireworks from Boston this season. Expect an up-tempo, high scoring group that will light up the score board while running an efficient offense. And expect this team to finish in the top four in the East.

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

2015-16 Record: 32-50, 3rd in Atlantic,13th place in the East

After a disappointing year, the Knicks offseason was one of the most interesting in the NBA. They cleaned house, dumping most of their role players while hanging onto Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Unpredictably, they picked up former MVP Derrick Rose, former first-teamer Joakim Noah and former point guard prodigy Brandon Jennings. Usually that many formers on one team isn’t a good thing.

But Jennings and Rose are still youngish, and the potential for career revitalizations is there. The grittiness of Noah seems to fit well with a finesse style of Porzingis, who provides range and elite rim protection ability. And Anthony proved he has plenty in the tank after a strong performance at the Olympics.

Who would have thought that after the Chicago Bulls struck out on Anthony now three summers ago in free agency, he would have paired with Rose in Noah at one point. And in the Big Apple nonetheless. But like in Chicago, the likelihood of the Knicks success is mostly based on the health of Rose’s knee and Noah’s shoulder. If those two find the fountain of youth, the Knicks could be the second best team in the East.

If not, they could be back in the lottery.

So many storylines; how will Anthony, Noah and Rose gel? Can the latter of the two find redemption in a city known for tearing its athletes apart? Will be Porzingis actually become the team leader rather than the veterans? So much to watch for from one of the NBA’s most interesting teams.

Sep 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) poses for a portrait during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

2015-16 Record: 21-61, 4th in the Atlantic, 14th place in the East

Sir Charles in Charge writer Jacob Little wrote about it a couple weeks ago; the Brooklyn Nets are still feeling the effects of their front office’s complete buffoonery. Dealing three first round picks (2014, 2016, 2018) for hobbled veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce set the franchise back half a decade. And they won’t have their top pick in 2017.

So with little to look forward to in terms of future prospects, the Nets must rely on what they have. You know what you’ll get from Brook Lopez, a very nice post scorer who would be a great piece on a contender. So you either trade him, or hope one of your other players turns into a complementing piece.

Maybe that’s former first overall pick Anthony Bennet, who signed a two-year deal in the offseason with the Nets. A desperate move for sure, but you never know. Or maybe Bojan Bogdanovic develops into a top-tier outside threat. Or maybe another offseason signing, Jeremy Lin, rediscovers the magic? I don’t know, I’m trying to be positive. But the cupboard is pretty bare for Brooklyn, and the opportunities to grocery shop are slim.

Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Boston Celtics at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

2015-16 Record: 10-72, Last place in the East and Atlantic 

Unlike their fellow basement dwellers, the arrow for the Philadelphia franchise points up. They 76ers bypassed the sexy pick in potentially all-world scorer and Duke product Brandon Ingram in the draft, selecting the versatile and safe Ben Simmons. Unfortunately a foot injury will set him back a couple months.

Let’s not pretend the 76ers are going to be contenders. But significant progression, maybe 10 to 15 more wins, would be a positive sign. For that to happen, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel need to stay healthy and productive. And the x-factor is Joel Embiid, the Kansas standout. After missing his first two seasons, any sort of solid production is a positive. And just that idea of a former third overall pick coming back from a two-year injury is noteworthy.

If nothing else the 76ers are intriguing. Four talented, young products that are all post players; rarely has an accumulation of so many top picks teamed up together at one time. And there is so little to write home about in the backcourt. How coach Brett Brown his able to design his offense around a unique set of players will dictate a lot.

Sep 26, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens during media day at the Boston Celtic Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

How It Pans out

The Atlantic Division should be a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics. The addition of Al Hortford nearly puts the C’s on par talent wise with Toronto, while Boston has the upper hand with Stevens on the bench.

I’m optimistic about New York and think Rose will stay relatively healthy, perform well and help the Knicks get back to the playoffs.

Philadelphia will make strides while the Nets remain one of the worst teams in the NBA. So three competitive teams, if all goes well for this division.

Not bad for the Atlantic, which produced the three worst squads in the Eastern Conference last season.

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